SAN DIEGO --
A local aviation security expert told 10News he is against a new proposal aimed at shortening airport security lines.
"I don't think it's a great idea at all," said expert Glen Winn.
The proposal, being looked at by several travel and aviation groups, would break airline travelers into three groups: trusted, regular and risky. Travelers would go through different kinds of security screenings and different lines, all based on their individual security risk.
According to the proposal, the trusted traveler would deal with less security after going through a background check and probably paying a fee.
The risky traveler would be identified by government intelligence, watch lists and suspicious behavior, according to the proposal. Risky travelers would undergo a more extensive screening, including an interview.
All others would go through intermediate screening.
Winn sees the plan as impractical, and he told 10News, "I really don't see the airlines or the airports having the capability of having three distinct lines."
Winn said one problem is most airports don't have enough space for the added security lines. Additionally, there would be more training required for Transportation Security Administration employees and more equipment needed, which would be very costly.
"I don't think you and I as the public, who are demanding costs be cut on government levels, would be able to afford that," Winn said.
Winn told 10News he doesn't think Congress would want to spend the additional money required.
However, TSA Administrator John Pistole has indicated he has some interest in the proposals.
Winn said one way to speed up security lines is for people to understand what they have to do before they arrive at the airport, such as removing all metal objects and taking off their shoes. He also said upcoming technology will help make the screening process faster.
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